The Valley Young Professionals (VYP), a division of the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce, today announced the nominees for  the 2011 Young Professional of the Year which will be acknowledged at this year’s Temecula Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at Pechanga Resort & Casino. Created two years ago, this award recognizes individuals within the group that have gone above and beyond in helping to grow VYP and expand its reach throughout the community.

Kurt J. Priewe has been promoted from Vice President and Commercial Lender to the Chief Credit Officer at Commerce Bank of Temecula Valley.

Priewe joined the Bank in February, 2011, having previously worked for Pacific Western Bank for 13 years as Senior Vice President and Small Business Administration (SBA) Department Manager. He has over 36 year’s business banking experience. Kurt has been a resident in the Temecula Valley area for 14 years.   “I look forward to this opportunity extended to me by the Bank’s Board of Directors and  I feel confident with the continuing growth plans for the Bank as the premier banking group within Temecula Valley,” said Priewe.  

“The Board of Directors felt we had a unique opportunity to promote Kurt to our Chief Credit Officer position.  His knowledge of our credit culture, our small business oriented customers and his familiarity with the communities we serve, combined to make him the perfect fit as the Bank goes forward,” said Don Murray, President and CEO of Commerce Bank of Temecula Valley.

At the December board meeting of Mt. San Jacinto Community College, Joan Sparkman was named

the President of the Board of Trustees.

 “I am proud to serve the Mt. San Jacinto Community College as the board of trustees President. In this time of fluctuating employment opportunities, we play an important role in expanding education to the available job market. With all of the deep cuts in the education world we strive to do the best for our students.

 Many of our students are returning veterans who need to hone there skills to applicable jobs available. The community college offers a great number of educational choices at a reasonable cost. We try very hard to keep up with industry trends related to job skills to assure we give the best advantage to our students seeking jobs. We are hoping that we do not experience additional budget cuts that affect our class offerings in this critical time of unemployment,” said Sparkman.

Commerce Bank of Temecula Valley welcomes their newest team member, Jason Ashmore as a Banking Specialist.

“From the first day that I walked in the front doors for my initial job interview, I knew I wanted to be part of CBTV. Every team member greeted me with a hello and a smile, even though they had no idea who I was or why I was there. I have never been inside a business let alone a bank that greeted everyone by their name,” said Ashmore.

“We are delighted to have Jason join our team,” said Lou Ellen Ficke, CFO of the bank.

The Temecula Valley Express Network of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) invites you to attend their next meeting on February 9^th  at 11:30 at Baily’s Old Town Dining on Front Street in Old Town Temecula. 

Guest Speaker will be Deborah Genovesi, APR “Your Communications Co-pilot” an accredited PR veteran and former TV reporter who helps business owners attract ideal clients and increase income. She will be the featured lunch speaker and will share with us “5 Ways to Make or Break Your Brand: Master These Critical Skills & Gain Instant Expert Status”. 

Lunch is $15 for members and first time guests, $25 for returning not-yet-members – RSVP not required but appreciated.  For more information please see our website www.temeculaabwa.org or call Rachel Mason at 909.838.8071.

The mission of ABWA is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership; education, networking support and national recognition.